Scaly disorders
Dandruff
Dandruff is a fine white flake which falls when the person shakes their head, and is not caused by not rinsing your hair enough, (though you may be using the wrong shampoo!). The cause of it is still relatively unknown, but it is most likely to be due to a yeast imbalance upon the skin itself.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a more severe form of common dandruff, caused by the same thing 'yeast imbalances' though people who suffer from this usually alot more sensitive to this imbalance on the skin. Seborrhoeic dermatitis closely mimics psoriasis and can be easily mistaken for it, (this is where many people find that there treatment for seborrhoeic dermatitis/psoriasis does not work, because they have been misdiagnosed). seborrhoeic dermatitis causes thick, sticky large flakes which can be in patches on the scalp or be all over the head, face, chest and upper back if severe! It causes itching and when scratched may cause the skin to weep,
Seborrhoeic dermatitis can also affect infants (0 to 1 years old) but it usually goes under the name of cradle cap, and should not be treated by anything which you would use on an adult. If the child's cradle cap is severe see your doctor, if it is not sever, just wash the child's hair regularly and don't be tempted to pick the scales off! it usually will go within the year.